Calf Nutrition Critical to Future Health and Productivity

Adequate colostrum is critical to setting the stage for a calf’s health and growth, James K. Drackley, Professor of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, said Thursday at World Dairy Expo.

In an Educational Seminar, “Baby Calf Nutrition: Getting Your Future Off to a Good Start,” Drackley said accelerated calf feeding programs capitalize on rapid early growth potential, decrease days to breeding and first calving, and improve health and future productivity.

“Growth and health are highly interrelated with each other and with nutrition,” he said.

Colostrum should be provided quickly, in adequate quantity, good quality and in a clean environment. It’s not just for antibodies any more but the gatekeeper for health and future production.